Playoff picture - Sept. 28

September 28, 2009

We all know yesterday's loss was a big blow to United's playoff hopes. The difference now from Saturday is that the team no longer controls its own destiny. D.C. has to win and hope a few key results go its way the last weeks of the regular season. The amazing thing about this year's campaign is how close the standings are, top to bottom (well, almost the bottom - sorry NYRB). Though United can no longer catch Columbus for the first spot in the Eastern Conference, the second place Fire (with 41 points) are very much within striking distance.

Saturday's game versus Chivas USA is huge, as the Western Conference squad is currently holding on to one of the four wildcard spots.

In the detailed team-by-team playoff picture below I've added a "maximum points" notation for each club. In other words, where each team would be if they were to win their remaining games.

It's a lot of numbers, but examine them closely - the entire League is in for a wild ride and anything can happen.